Ridership grew 8 percent compared with the same period a year ago while revenue rose more than projected expenses, with the agency closing the quarter with a net profit of $9.5 million, according to a MARTA press release.

The results reflect MARTA's efforts to become more cost efficient and customer focused, agency officials said.

"Our financial performance and operational improvements are a clear indication of the positive direction this agency is headed in," said MARTA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Keith Parker. "These key wins help motivate us to keep doing all we can to get better every single day."

Early numbers in the current fiscal quarter indicate the ridership growth trend is likely to continue. The recently opened Buckhead Station pedestrian bridge has attracted a significant amount of new customers. Since the span was debuted in June, the Buckhead station has registered a 27.3 percent increase in customer entries, MARTA officials said.

Also, the agency's fare evasion program, which was launched in the summer, has helped build revenue. And MARTA's overall crime rate fell 5 percent during the fiscal quarter.